'Tobacco Not Allowed in Islam'

The head of the Sudan Scholars Corporation has issued a religious decree banning tobacco.

Sheikh Mohamed Osman Saleh, head of the Sudanese Scholars said that tobacco is forbidden in Islam as the use of tobacco is no less dangerous and evil than the use of drugs. He also demanded that the Sudanese security apparatus combat the cultivation, sale, and use of tobacco in all parts of the country.

When asked about the donation of the North Darfur government of 10,000 tons of tobacco in support of the ruling National Congress Party, the sheikh said the gift consisted of various in-kind materials. He accused the Sudanese media of highlighting the tobacco item, “for the purpose of creating sensation and chaos.”

Rashid Ismail, former North Darfur government adviser on economic affairs, told reporters in Khartoum that “the fierce attack against tobacco trade in the country has led to the idea that it is something abnormal” and that “the recent campaign against tobacco is probably intended to hit the Darfur economy. It will put the livelihoods of 900,000 Darfuris at stake”.